Guimarães, Burn & Joelinton: Latest Newcastle injury news and expected return dates ahead of PSG clash
The latest Newcastle United injury news and return dates as attention turns to a huge night of Champions League action against PSG.
With a place in the last 16 on the line, Newcastle United conclude their league-phase campaign with a glamorous away trip to face Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
Both sides are currently sitting in the top eight, each on 13 points, with the holders in sixth following a shock defeat in Lisbon, and the Magpies in seventh position after a resounding 3-0 home victory over PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are aiming to reach the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in their history after falling short in the ‘Group of Death’ two years ago. Eddie Howe’s side may have finished bottom of their group with a tally of five points in that campaign, but it’s worth noting that they recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over PSG at St James’ Park and also came away with a commendable 1-1 draw in Paris - which could have easily been more if it wasn’t for a controversial late penalty.
A win for either side will guarantee them a place in the last 16 while anything less leaves the pair at risk of having to play a two-legged play-off, which for Newcastle in particular - given the size of their injury list - would be far from ideal. The Magpies are confirmed to be without a number of big stars such as Tino Livramento and Fabian Schär for the trip to the French capital, while Eddie Howe is also sweating over the fitness of his talismanic midfielder Bruno Guimarães. But what is the latest on his injury situation, and are the likes of Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy in contention to feature?
Bruno Guimarães injury latest ahead of PSG showdown
Newcastle felt the full effect of Bruno Guimarães’ absence during a rare home defeat to Aston Villa at St. James’ Park, their first against the Villains in the North East since 2005. It extended Newcastle’s dismal record of nine games without a win in the nine league games in which Guimarães hasn’t featured since signing in January 2022 and summed up just how reliant the Toon are on the Brazilian, who is enjoying his best goalscoring season to date.
Guimarães missed the league match against Villa with an ankle injury that he sustained mid-week against PSV. Howe is hoping that the injury isn’t too serious but admits he’s not sure on the full extent.
“I still don't think it's a serious injury,” Howe said via Newcastle World. “He wasn't quite there today. I know he'll do everything he can to be fit for Wednesday. Let's wait and see. He's desperate to play as soon as possible, but he obviously has to be right.”
Based on this, it seems that if Guimaraes is anywhere near match-fit he’ll play given the gravity of this game, but it’ll be a close call. Expected return date: 28 January.
Joelinton injury latest plus other Newcastle absentees
In addition to Guimarães, Newcastle are also assessing Joelinton after he withdrew with a groin issue at the beginning of the second-half. The Brazilian is also central to the way the team play due to his aggression, intensity and ability to press high up the pitch.
“It looks like a groin problem,” Howe said. “Yes, a big blow for us to lose him at any stage. We hope it's not too serious. With him and Bruno missing, that's sort of a double blow for us.” Expected return date: unknown.
In brighter news, Newcastle were able to welcome back Dan Burn, who notably scored against PSG two seasons ago. He was an unused substitute against Aston Villa following an abdominal injury and has been training with the team since the start of last week. He’ll be available if needed but will likely start on the bench behind Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman. The same applies to William Osula, who also made the bench following a foot injury which has kept him out since late November. He’s been linked with a move away in recent months.
Jacob Murphy is unlikely to feature in the matchday squad following a hamstring injury which forced him off during the semi-final first leg defeat to Manchester City, but he could return to face Liverpool at Anfield over the weekend. Expected return date: 31 January.
Emil Krafth is also unlikely to feature after picking up a knee injury during the November international break. The versatile Swede is hoping to return later this month and could be included on the bench against the reigning European champions. Expected return date: 31 January.
Other long-term absentees for Newcastle include Tino Livramento, who is sidelined until mid-March with thigh problem. The England international joins long-serving defender Fabian Schär in the treatment room, with the 34-year-old now absent until early April with a foot injury.